Ball State and Purdue Handle Papa John Controversy Differently

If you have been on the internet in the last few weeks, then you have likely heard about the Papa John controversy. Papa John founder, John Schnatter, used the n-word on a conference call back in May. According to him, the context was actually referencing past use by someone else. Whatever the reason, the fallout has been swift. He has already resigned from his post as chairman and many schools and institutions have already severed ties and distanced themselves from Schnatter.

The board believes this action is necessary to avoid distraction from the center’s work, counterproductive division on the campus, and any inference of any deviation from the university’s often stated stance on tolerance and racial relations”

It should be noted that Purdue also plans on returning the $8 million donation given to the university by Schnatter.

Ball State, John Schnatter’s alma mater, decided to accept the pizza mogul’s context of events and announced there are no plans to remove Schnatter’s name from the John H. Schnatter Institute for Entrepreneurship and Free Enterprise:

To such end, we have the following understanding of John’s comments. They were made in a private meeting with consultants, from which he was seeking advice as to how to communicate in a way that would be less offensive to others. In the course of the conversation, he recited his understanding of another’s use of the “N word”. He did so not in a derogatory manner seeking to demean any individuals or groups; rather it was used as an example of improper conduct.

John has acknowledged, notwithstanding his intentions, that his use of the word was inappropriate. His response was to promptly issue an apology and unequivocally denounce racism. He has reaffirmed those views to us personally, and such sentiment is consistent with Ball State’s values.”